Accessible Events Checklist

Georgetown University is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming  experience for our students, guests and community members. When planning an event, please keep in mind the inclusion of disabled participants and speakers in all  aspects of planning, from choosing a physical space or venue and promoting the event, to when participants exit the event.

Planning events

• Check entrances and exits, and tour the path of travel for participants.
• Consider placement and height of tables and seats, and designate seating for wheelchair users,  allowing sufficient space to accommodate participants with service animals.
• Connect with Georgetown Event Management Services (GEMS) (or the applicable office if the  event is off-campus) to determine whether the space is equipped with technology to allow for  closed-captioning, ASL Zoom spotlight and any other necessary services.
• Encourage effective communication at your event, including use of captioning for video footage  and livestreams.

Promoting events

• Use clear and concise link text; don’t use “click here” and “learn more,” etc.
• Use alt text for images to make them accessible to those who use screen readers.
• Identify a designated individual to respond to accessibility requests and provide their email address on promotional materials.
• Include an access statement in your GU Events Page, such as: “This event is _ (wheelchair accessible, ASL interpreted, CART captioned, etc.). Please contact __ with accessibility requests.”

To learn more, please consult the accessible events guide.